Cultural experts have accused the government of being intent on eroding traditional customs and culture.
During a program titled “Social Rituals and Culture” organized by the Pandit Navaraj Sharada Memorial Society on the occasion of the 105th birth anniversary of Pandit Navaraj Poudel, speakers alleged that the government is more active in destroying culture than in preserving it.
They emphasized the need to modernize and refine existing customs, rituals, and traditions to suit contemporary times. “The current rituals and systems are highly scientific,” they said.
At the event, Associate Professor Dr. Binu Baba Aryal, cultural expert Bed Prasad Pant, Dr. Badri Pokharel, and Harihar Pradeep Ghimire expressed that religion and rituals give rise to science, systems, and scholars, and should thus be embraced positively. “The younger generation is gradually forgetting our customs and culture,” one speaker remarked. “The current education policy completely neglects customs and culture — this must be reformed.”
During the program, Saroj Dhakal, chairperson of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward No. 31, stressed the need for open discussion to update rituals from birth to death in accordance with the times. “Senior citizens should lead the way in bringing timely improvements,” he added.
Society President Nirmalraj Poudel informed the audience that the organization will continue to hold discussions and debates on this important subject.
